Here are some comments from the reviews our guests have been kind enough to leave us over the years. They come from Facebook, TripAdvisor, Revoo, our visitor book and on other social media.
In addition to the general reviews below, we have picked out comments specific to family holidays, the quality of equipment and furnishings, the beach, the view from the house, the local area, the railway carriages, comments about wanting to return and comments about owner communication before booking.
Southern Bell has also been featured in Coast Magazine, Hampshire Life, Great British Life and CEO Magazine. You can also see some of the articles here.
We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has stayed at Southern Bell so far and look forward to welcoming you back along with many new guests in the future.
Unknown to us at the time, we also had a lovely family of popular vloggers stay at Southern Bell and you can see the story of their stay in these three vlogs: I Surprised Her, A Day To Remember and Finding Out We're Pregnant. Thank you very much to Ebony Day and David Gibbs for their very kind comments and great videos. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay!
Thank You!
Clive & Jo
Guest Reviews on Southern Bell
This was the second time we have stayed at Southern Bell and it did not disappoint, in fact it was even more beautiful than I remembered Fantastic property with absolutely everything we needed for our family of 6 adults and 2 children (including a home office!) The views are spectacular and you step out of the door onto the beach. Clive the owner is so helpful and provided loads of useful information. We can’t wait to come back again.
Out of all the places we have stayed over the years, Southern Bell has blown them all out of the water, being all it promised and more.
Absolutely stunning beach house by the sea
The nicest place I have stayed in, in Britain, will recommend to anyone
The beach on the back door was just priceless. The information from the owners was spot on and we all enjoyed ship watching with the binoculars and tracking app. Lots to see or do if you want to go out and explore. Would definitely go back!
Fabulous property!! Must be seen! Undersold on your website. Did not expect such a gem!
We could not ask for more than this house and it’s setting
Southern Bellissimo!
Southern Bell is a great family venue and lived up to the comfortable and spacious living conveyed on the website and right on the beach. Lovely!
We loved being on the beach. The house was quirky being made of railway carriages, but also very comfortable and had everything we needed. It was spotlessly clean and we had a lovely welcome basket. Communication with owners was friendly and prompt. Thanks for a lovely stay
I honestly cannot recommend Southern Bell enough! Location, accommodation, amenities - all perfect. We have kids that love a train, collecting seashells, and going to the fairground so the location ticked all the boxes. The beach almost seemed like it was private and it was so useful being directly in front of the house. The house had brilliant parking, the bedrooms were idyllic and the community spaces felt spacious and enabled kids and adults to be together without getting under each other’s feet. We will definitely visit again!
We’ve been coming to Hayling Island for over 30 years and this is by far the best place we have ever stayed
Fantastic all round cannot fault a thing
A fantastic find that exceeded our already high expectations!
Most definitely the most quirky, exceptionally designed property we've ever stayed in
I just wanted to live at Southern Bell forever - I think that says it all! A beautiful place to stay, which couldn't be faulted on comfort, cleanliness, clever & quirky design, and thoughtful touches. Wonderful for a laid-back stay, with a fantastic beachfront location and plenty to keep those who enjoy food & drink, walking and watching-the-world-go-by happy - as well as those who like to get out on the water! Great info and comms from the owners too.
This is a beautiful property. It has absolutely everything you will need for a family holiday, including the beach just outside the door and spectacular views. Spotlessly clean and the owner could not be more helpful Our party of 6 adults and 2 children had the most fabulous time here, we loved it and none of us wanted to leave. Hopefully we can return soon
Five of us go away every year in March for a girlie weekend and we fell upon Southern Bell this year. What an amazing find!! We had such a lovely time. The house was quirky but beautiful. We all had comfortable beds and it was perfectly clean. The kitchen had everything we needed and more and there was a lovely welcome hamper left for us which we devoured pretty quickly. The location was stunning, to be right on the beach was amazing. Even though it was snowing!!! Perfect holiday home for any time of year, great for groups of friends and families too. You won’t regret spending your time here
What a find! We just loved the character and location of this beautiful restoration. So many thoughtful details.
Not a single bad aspect to the entire experience. Thank you!
Well, what a lovely place. So nice to look out on to the sea. We settled really well here and had a relaxing time and would love to come back.
Wanted a special place to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary. This is such a special place with beautiful scenery. Love the way the building has been designed with the railway carriages. We wanted something different and found it here
Wonderful place to stay equipped with all you could need and more. Lovey comfy beds. Railway carriages are fantastic and the kids loved them. Fantastic views.
We had a wonderful holiday which we used for a special family celebration with eight adults. Southern Bell is very well appointed and has more than enough space, equipment and facilities (including, washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher and even a Nesspresso machine) to accommodate 8 people. It is all on one level and is made up from two historic railway carriages placed side by side, with a corridor/hall between, which connects two double bedrooms (one en-suite) and a separate family bathroom at one end and a super kitchen/lounge at the other with a superb view over the Solent, towards Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. All the beds were very comfortable. Not only is there ample space and seating in the main kitchen/sitting room, there is also a lovely comfortable snug area, which particularly retains its railway feel and is ideal for quiet moments. It also has a second TV. The owner was also very proactive in providing excellent advanced information and a guide to the island. He also was thoughtful enough to offer/ask, in advance, how best to set up the beds for our party. There was also an excellent welcome pack
This hidden gem is a great base for a holiday by the sea - the back garden is next to the beach. The cottage was well equipped, it was very clean and accommodated 2 families with plenty of space
We had a wonderful stay here! Excellent location right next to the beach. Lots of shops only a walk away. Locals are friendly too. The accommodation was very clean and comfortable. Great attention to detail and a lovely welcome pack. Owner was very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed very much staying in this unique home. Thank you!
Book it and you won't be sorry!
This was one of the best accommodations we have stayed in. The photos represent it exactly and Clive the owner was fantastic
Southern Bell is the highlight of Hayling Island ! Full of character and a Great location , A stone’s throw to the beach and a lovely enclosed garden The perfect place to take babies & small children. All our needs catered for & spotlessly clean We will definitely go back!
Absolutely perfect home for our group of 8. The combination of the classic carriages and more modern surrounding rooms works very well and feels cozy. The backyard provides direct access to the beach
We have just spent four nights in Hayling Island and had the pleasure of staying at the Southern Bell. This is the second time we have stayed here and it was excellent
Pre arrival information – EXCELLENT
Communication with owner – EXCELLENT
Cleanliness and maintenance – EXCELLENT
Facilities – EXCELLENT
It was all we could have imagined and more
We have had a lovely time here at Southern Bell. It really is a special place. I was impressed by the cleanliness and excellent facilities. It really is a home from home. And the view - WOW!
An amazing house and an amazing holiday. Thank you
By far, one of the best weekends away we've had. We'll be visiting again for sure!
Ticked all of our boxes and we’d definitely recommend
Everything we imagined plus more
Even when the weather was rough, it was enjoyable in this cosy place
We stayed at The Southern Bell over Christmas and had the most brilliant time
There are only a few places that I’ve stayed in that I couldn’t fault. This is one of those places
Absolutely brilliant on all fronts!
Excellent unique property in an amazing location, with very friendly owners who are passionate about their wonderful vintage railway carriage holiday home. In perfect condition and with a fascinating history - a wonderful family holiday let to relax in and enjoy
If you are looking for that extra special treat when on holiday these converted railway carriages are definitely it - just amazing
The sunsets were spectacular for November. We enjoyed a lovely welcome hamper on arrival - I can’t think of anything negative to say about Southern Bell.
Just returned from a brilliant holiday at southern bell, the weather was exceptional with sunshine from dawn till dusk every day. The accommodation was immaculately clean & the location is unbeatable with fantastic panoramic sea views
All in all a lovely place to stay if you want a family beach holiday, we will all remember our stay at southern bell for a long time to come & can recommend it highly
Property and location is exactly as you see it on the website. I loved watching all the different ships sailing by whilst sipping wine from a very comfortable arm chair, my young grandchildren loved the beach and the Xbox in the First Class train lounge and my teenage Grand Daughters enjoyed emptying my purse at the Outlet Mall in Portsmouth
We were a family + dog (puppy) looking for a half term venue near the sea. We found this property ticked our requirements. As it turns out it ticked many more boxes we didn't realise we had!!
Well-equipped holiday accommodation, very comfortable beds. Perfect position for the beach which the children loved
We had a wonderful week in this delightful cottage. It's a little gem!
A very unique layout and stunning position
A wonderful place to stay
Wonderful accommodation and setting
Lovely location and fabulously quirky
A wonderful week in this gorgeous house. Comfy beds, fluffy towels and a great oven
We arrived at Southern Bell after a long week at work (6 of us) and as soon as we stepped into the hallway, our stress evaporated into the sea air! You are instantly bowled over by the unique and simply stunning décor of this place
A cut above!
Beautiful property in an idyllic location
A truly wonderful stay
What a wonderful house
Amazing location. We loved the house and the beach and there was everything we needed. We were sad to leave (guest, aged 9)
The perfect house for a wonderful week of much-needed relaxation
What a fantastic find!
We came to “chill-out” but roasted in the hot sun
Lovely views and unique accommodation
The accommodation is beautiful and special. Glorious weather only added to a fantastic weekend
Wonderful two weeks spent in this exceptional cottage. Scenery and weather both gorgeous
Everyone feels thoroughly relaxed, humans and dogs
First Class Carriages
10/10
What a great week we all had. Fantastic property, beautiful location and brilliant being on the sea front
BBQs on the beach, swimming in the sea and relaxing in the garden
The most amazing week in this wonderful house
A perfect place to unwind
We loved Southern Bell’s uniqueness, it’s views, the carriages and it’s space
What can I say about the accommodation? – Terrific. Thank you so much
Fantastic week-long break for new year
Stunning position beautifully appointed a very special place ❤️ 2nd Christmas here in a row just as special
So incredibly clean, which made it possible for me to instantly relax
Perfect long weekend everything supplied for fantastic stay. Being on the beach was a massive bonus and the dogs loved it. Thanks
We had a fabulous stay 3 children and 4 adults lots of room! Lovely setting. Lovely views. Lovely and quirky and lovely that the owners thought of everything including a welcome pack
A unique holiday, staying in converted railway carriages was amazing and never lost its charm. Everything you could need is provided. Owner Clive was very friendly and accommodating. Beach was just across a small path so was lovely to sit on the sofa and listen to the waves crashing onto the beach
Would stay again and definitely recommend to others.
Perfect place for a wonderful break right next to the sea. Very well equipped and maintained, and the owner was very helpful. A holiday home we will never forget
Fantastic location and a wonderfully quirky property. Highly recommend
The house is done so beautifully and has everything you need
First family Christmas together for 15 years so we wanted an extra special place to spend our time together and we absolutely loved our time at southern Bell and Hayling Island. Loved the quirky feel of the carriages and the extra-special touches of the hamper and Christmas tree!
Annual winter break to the seaside chose southern bell as we love trains and sea. Lovely unique place
Such a special time celebrating my 50th with my six best friends, loved the house and everything about it. It was everything I hoped it would be
70th birthday surprise weekend away. Three generations. Fantastic house attention to detail is perfect. Kids loved the carriage bedrooms and proximity to the sea. Amazing weather too. Perfect!
A wonderful place for all the family. We have made some special memories here and would love to return. Southern Bell is a beautiful property in a great location
We stayed in January and wanted to return in the summer. We were not disappointed. The boys (5 + 7) loved the beach, Funland and tuppeny falls. The adults loved the sunsets, the walks and the ships sailing past. Clive could not have made us feel more welcome
A perfect restorative retreat that has worked wonders on us all, enabling us to go back to reality. Wonderful location, beautiful quirky accommodation with first class everything. Many thanks to our accommodating host Clive, lovely man
This holiday was perfection didn’t want to leave. Children loved exploring, adults loved just being chilled. House is amazing, really felt like home definitely coming again
Our visit was really magical! The house is done so beautifully and has everything you need, The sun shone and the sea glistened. Thank you!
2Nice 2Be 4Gotten
Four generations of us and didn’t feel cramped at all
One of the best the best holiday lets I’ve been in
We had a brilliant family easter break at the Southern Bell. We loved the quirkiness of the property. It was beautifully clean. The house had everything that we could need. The location of being right on the beach was great for the children to play and to go for long walks. Great communication with the host. We will be back
Unusual, bright and spotlessly clean accommodation right on the beach! Had a super New Years stay - walks on the beach, local pub visits and cosy times. Looking forward to visiting again
Southern Bell is an unique holiday stay. We loved the train carriage bedrooms and lounge. Best of all was the open plan living room straight out to the decking, everything was very comfy. Clive the owner communicated so well before hand and made sure we had everything
What a beautiful place the Southern Bell is. Everything is provided and it feels like a home from home. It was exceptionally clean and very well cared for. It is in a fabulous location and is well located to visit Hayling Island itself as well as other places
Southern Bell is a fantastic quirky place to stay in. Clive the host is extremely helpful and had lots of information to help make your stay even better
Just got home from the best weekend at Southern Bell, my family have very fond memories from Hayling Island from my childhood so decided to return with the next generation to share it with them and the Southern Bell completely exceeded all of our expectations. Perfectly located on the beach, very secure outside area so the dogs and young children could play in the garden safely. Short walk to the local fish and chip shop and funfair. Really Beautiful decor in every room. The host has gone above and beyond since my initial contact with him, so friendly and helpful. We have stayed in holiday lets before but never one as fully equipped as Southern Bell, Clive has really thought of everything. From every size pot and pan you could need to even child friendly plates and bowls, these little things can make all the difference. We are already discussing dates as a family of when we can go back. If you are thinking of booking, just do it you will not regret it
Lots of nice touches that were appreciated
A bright and unusual property right on the seafront
I booked this wonderful Chalet on the beach, because as child we spent many family holidays here, in this wonderful train carriage bungalow. It not only brought back childhood memories but exceeded our expectations with the super quality of all the sofas, beds, bathrooms, kitchen and entertainment. A separate lounge with TV for the children and a huge Virgin entertainment package and great wifi were a great feature. Add in a beach on your door step and this is the perfect holiday any time of year
Excellent well equipped more than we expected we have been coming here on the island for many years this has been the best one yet the grandchildren loved it we will be back
This place is a must! If you are looking to book a relaxing break in a great location and in a clean, well equipped house then this is the one! We have visited twice and will come back again in the future
A truly unique island beach house (incorporating two converted railway carriages) which has been beautifully and thoughtfully presented to a high standard throughout. Great host and lovely welcome hamper
We arrived for 3 nights with family and was blown away with the property and location. What a perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by, soaking in the sun and go for walks on beach. Fantastic host and we will definitely return
We enjoyed our stay in Southern Bell, our host Clive was amazing from start to finish, he was informative and responsive at all times. The house had a fantastic location and was right by the beach, it was clean, airy & quirky with railway carriages as rooms. We would definitely recommend staying here
The house is absolutely perfect
What a fabulous and magical short break we have all had at beautiful Southern Bell. We spent most of our time soaking up the sun on the beautiful deck. Your information was so useful, particularly when we needed an emergency vet!
Thank you for helping us to make some amazing memories. We will be back!
What a great place to stay. We have had a fabulous time. Thank you to all involved in Southern Bell. We will recommend this to everyone we know!.. and we caught a shark!
Fantastic property for a family vacation. The sea view was beautiful as well as the access to the beach. We have enjoyed relaxing and discovering the local area. Five stars for everything!
A wonderful stay at a fabulous and quirky property. We all had a great stay and had everything we needed to make the New Year something really memorable.
Amazing house – beyond expectations!
Thank you for such a wonderful stay for our family, by the sea. The accommodation has been superb, the views breathtaking and the memories made will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to return.
Southern Bell is fab, great location. Out best day was just chilling on the patio playing I Spy!
What a fabulous accommodation in a great location. Everything exceeded our expectations rooms, beautiful and decor calm and relaxing.
This is amazing, the bedding was so lovely and clean, the welcome basket was amazing, thank you. I arrived and enjoyed the view of the beach, you have thought of everything here, even two TV rooms for different tastes. So peaceful, just what we wanted.
Southern Bell is an amazing, quirky holiday home!
Guest Comments on Family Holidays
Our family of seven plus two dogs had a wonderful time at the Southern Bell. The property was stunning and more than large enough to accommodate us all. The kitchen was very well equipped especially when we had extra family visit us for the day. The view was incredible, not every day you have the beach in your back garden! We would definitely stay here again. The weather was great and we had the beach to ourselves. The welcome goodies were well appreciated too
Just back from a four night visit with the family, 6 adults, 2 teenage children and 3 dogs, celebrating husband's 50th birthday. Wow, fantastic experience in the unique Southern Bell. Plenty of room for us all, great facilities, very clean, everything you need is there from tea bags to dishwasher tablets and very peaceful
Thank you so much for accommodating our big family it was certainly a home away from home you have thought of everything to make our stay memorable our grandchildren loved being a stones throw away from the beach Our 3-year old grandson wants to live here forever!
We went as a group of 8 ranging from 18 months to 82 years and we all left having had a lovely holiday where Southern Bell was at the centre.
Upon arrival we were greeted with a welcome pack filled with delicious local goodies which was very much appreciated. The accommodation was spotlessly clean , spacious and very bright and airy. The railway carriages were very cleverly adapted. As a party including 6 adults, a 7 month old baby and 2 small dogs we were relieved to find plenty of seating and a large dining table which we could all sit around together. The beds were very , very comfortable. The walk from the accommodation to the Lifeboat station was really beautiful and quite manageable even with a baby in a buggy
Wonderful family holiday involving 3 generations all with different requirements
A wonderful holiday for the extended family and the dogs! The house is unique
Plenty of room for 6 adults and a big dog
Secured outside space for my two little sausage dogs
Three generations under one roof a great opportunity to catch up
The open plan kitchen/diner/lounge layout is perfect in order to keep the group "together"
Perfect beach location for extended family
So nice to seat all eight of us around the same table at meal times
Wish this had been around when my kids were little
We needed a family break that would cater for my teenage daughter, my elderly Mother and 2 small dogs. Southern Bell certainly fitted the bill. Plenty of room for everyone
There are 2 sitting rooms … great to give my daughter her own space for her very private phone calls
The enclosed garden area was ideal for our dogs and the easy access to the beach made their and our stay most enjoyable
We were three generations staying there so a choice of two lounge areas was a bonus. Great location straight on to the beach. Beds comfortable with good quality linen and towels
What a lovely place to stay and celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary with all our family
Wonderful stay, three generations together, from 58 years to 20 weeks
Ideal for old and young
The kids enjoyed sleeping in the carriages and grandma appreciated the beach being so close
Amazing kitchen/lounge/dining room. The rea hub of the house where we had lots of fun
Wonderful week in a wonderful house enjoyed by three generations and a dog
Fantastic house for our two-family gathering. Beautifully equipped and great location
Multiple generations loved this wonderful seaside home. Cocoa and Lady loved the beach and the kids lived in the hammock and on the Xbox… We couldn’t have asked for anything else
The grandchildren loved the bedrooms in the 3rd-class carriage and the Xbox in First Class
Made many more happy memories with our grandchildren
perfect for family get togethers
Ages ranged from 11 to 73 years and it suited us all
A brilliant venue for a big family gathering enjoyed by all ages
Four generations from 95 years to 4 months had a wonderful week
Four generations thoroughly enjoyed their stay in this lovely home
A Christmas present for all the family from our eldest daughter. We have had a great time and the children have loved every minute. We would thoroughly recommend it to others
Excellent venue and hospitality. Great for all of us with an age range from 6 to 63 years
Somewhere to chill, relax and catch up with family
Three generations came together in this stunning house and location
Southern Bell has been brilliant
An excellent weekend celebrating my 60th birthday with my children and granddaughters. Thank you for everything
Wonderful base for a special family get-together
Fascinating house for our family Christmas. Thank you for all the thoughtful touches that made our stay so comfortable
A lovely house to spend a relaxing week with family and dog
Lovely family-friendly base. Kids loved the carriages and the beach. Would recommend
A wonderful family weekend. Thoroughly enjoyed staying in this unique property
Wonderful place to celebrate grandad’s 70th birthday
My Grandson summed it up “This place is ace!”
We had a fantastic 2 weeks with 5 adults, 2 dogs, glorious weather and this amazing cottage. Beautifully designed and a wonderful way to preserve the railway carriages
Great place - perfect for family groups with a separate living room (in the first class carriage!) and right on the beach! Loved it!
Just got home from our stay here and what a stay it was. Located right on the beach, this was perfect for our dogs. The southern bell is a beautiful property which was perfect for our family stay including 3 generations :) will defiantly be visiting again!!
A perfect house for a family beach holiday
Our favourite things were
- “Being in the sea” (Molly, 6)
- “The train rides” (Arthur, 4)
- “Early morning picnic breakfasts on the beach” (Albert, 4)
- “Watching the children play safely” (Mum and Dad)
- “The ever-changing seascape” (Grandad and Grandma)
We leave with lasting memories of family time and an engagement to celebrate too!
Perfect for a family get-together. Lovely house and wonderful views plus good walks for three generations
Our family Christmas celebration… couldn’t have been better
Groovy house (the kid’s loved it) and superb views
What a fantastic location for my 60th birthday celebrations made very special with friends and family
Booked this for my 60th birthday and our 40th wedding anniversary, we needed accommodation for six adults, two children and two dogs, Southern Bell was perfect for us
An amazing house, especially loved by our 5 & 6 year old Grandsons
A 40th birthday celebration and the setting was perfect!
The accommodation is quirky, interesting and we were all very comfortable
The attention to detail was lovely and the view amazing
Great place for hide & seek!
We were here for a 30th birthday and had a wonderful time
Celebrating my 60th birthday and our 40th wedding anniversary with our children and grandchildren. I couldn’t have found anywhere better… Already planning our next visit
Lovely sunny stay for 50th wedding anniversary celebration
This was the first holiday for our five month old puppy and to our surprise he was settled in on the first night
Thoroughly enjoyable week was had by all, especially our dog, who couldn’t believe the sea was so close
Perfect location. Our dog thinks he’s died and gone to heaven!
Doggy paradise
We and our two dogs loved it here
We all had a great time there. Our grandchildren loved sleeping on a train
Such a fun place to chill with family & friends
Absolutely brilliant holiday for a family gathering, kept our little ones entertained for the entire weekend, highly recommend this place
The perfect setting for celebrating a 60th birthday 6 adults 2 children and 2 dogs. We had a wonderful time in this beautiful home. We will be back
We have had a fantastic week here at Southern Bell enjoying sunrise to sunset. Three generations enjoying the beach such a peaceful place
What a quirky and historical home. Lovely accommodation for larger families. Fabulous location. A truly great area for plenty of things to do
We had a great holiday and we went outside to play on the beach every day (aged 5)
Perfect location and amenities for our multigenerational family reunion. 5 stars!
Amazing holiday rental - so beautiful. Four generations of our family all had a wonderful time at this beach house. Definitely recommend and will be going back
Eight of us stayed over Christmas from 93 year old to 2 year old dog. Thank you Clive for the Christmas tree. Fantastic memories, sad that we can’t come back next Christmas but so glad that you are booked up. We will definitely be back
The age range of our group was from 16 and 65 and everyone without exception enjoyed their stay. Highly recommended in every way
Lovely place to unwind and relax. Plenty of room to spread out as there was 7 of us
We had a great family holiday here and made lots of memories
Well-appointed quirky accommodation with ample room for full occupancy of 8 plus dogs
A perfect family break
The modern kitchen/diner/lounge was great for the whole family to be together
A fantastic find for a 50th birthday weekend. Love the location right on the coast-a great view to wake up to and plenty to see
Excellent in all ways, a wonderful beach house for large families and dogs!
We were a family of 8 and the house soaked us all up no problem, including the 2 dogs. Very light and bright house. The host was really helpful and nothing was too much trouble
This house is the best! We have loved our stay at Southern Bell. Love Fred, aged 8
Can highly recommend this property.....ideal for families and pets
Super accommodation for a family or two with grown up children. Dog loved it too. Very well equipped and lovely welcome hamper. Very clean. Would book again
Relaxing family holiday in a stunning beachfront property!
Positives: Everything
Negatives: We couldn’t stay longer
Guest Comments on the Level of Equipment and furnishing
The accommodation is just as advertised; the beds were comfy; the kitchen well equipped; the showers were hot and the towels were fluffy - enough said. Access to the beach is via steps in the sea wall at the bottom of the garden and almost all the sea front attractions are within walking distance
The house is lovely and bright, was very clean, well equipped and comfortable. I loved that the kitchen and dining table and lounge were all in one big area so it’s a really nice family place, also the little snug my son loved as a cosy place to play some games when the weather turned
I cannot recommend the Southern Bell highly enough. Added bonus are the comfiest beds ever!
The home office was a godsend for a couple of ‘home-workers’ in the party
Beds are very cosy, showers/bath great and the kitchen is better equipped than mine at home! We couldn’t have asked for a better setting for a three generation trip
We had a couple of us "wfh" and the view from the little office was idyllic! The internet served us all well
Extremely well decorated and fitted out with good furnishings and very modern equipment whilst retaining its quirkiness and character.
Really unique accommodation finished to a very high standard situated right on the sea front
Decoration and furnishings are beautiful and it has everything you could possibly want to make a truly memorable holiday
Modern, yet still has that 'home from home' vibe about it too
All the beds are comfortable and the showers are powerful and hot
The beds were very comfortable and the towels are so soft!
Spotlessly clean and very well equipped
The beds are very comfortable - very important!
Plenty of space to spread out in two sitting rooms
High standard of cleanliness. Amenities in the house are awesome, anything from luxury toilet paper, washing up liquid to Xbox, Virgin in both rooms with TV
The rich hamper as a welcome gift is a pleasant and thoughtful touch
A great unique property set in a brilliant position and location. This property is well equipped with all the equipment that you will require
Really spacious, bright, clean with plenty of room for all
Ample gated parking at the front of the property
A wonderful week in a beautiful house. The accommodation was immaculate and everything we could have wanted was provided
The thought put into the layout; provision and consideration to provide a family and dog friendly environment, easy access to beach and other locations, beautifully warm, fabulous sea views and plentiful local information
Extremely clean and the bed linen lovely and fresh
The owners have provided all you could possibly want in the kitchen which has a great cooker & double ovens
The house was extremely well equipped and the youngest member of our party enjoyed the first class carriage lounge to play computer games occasionally
A lovely, stylish, comfortable holiday home with fabulous views
We booked this accommodation for a family birthday celebration. Everyone was impressed with the standard of accommodation, décor, cleanliness, equipment and furniture. Having 2 train enthusiasts in a group, Southern Bell was the ideal holiday accommodation. It was also excellent for our 15 year old who made good use of the Xbox
We had a total of 6 vehicles in our group & were able to park all 6 off road
Spotlessly clean upon arrival
The owners have done a great job with quality fittings and lovely bedding . Thank you
Very impressive – certainly has the wow factor
Excellent quality finish
Very clean and tidy and everything has been thought of
Very well equipped
Equipped with everything we though we needed plus lots more
Beautiful house done to a very high standard
Tip-top accommodation
What a fabulous home you have created. So stylish and relaxing
Very well equipped
What a fantastic house, beautifully finished to provide a home away from home
Everything anybody could possibly need
Great house, very unusual and very comfortable
Fantastic stay – thank you so much
We absolutely loved staying in this beautiful house and loved all the little touches and the welcome pack. We’ve had a brilliant holiday
So much more than we expected and even better than the photos
So clean and well-presented
Warm and comfortable
Really comfy beds, well-equipped kitchen and lovely fluffy towels
Lots of room for 6 cars and 8 of us
Extremely well-equipped and plenty of room
The property is equipped to a high standard with everything we needed, very fluffy towels better than we've had in some hotels, a very well kitted kitchen, no running out of plates here. With plenty of parking on the gravelled forecourt, behind a closeable gate for added security
So well thought out with everything you could need
Lovely welcome pack, comfortable bed's, gorgeous bedlinen, soft towels
Everything you needed accounted for to cook, entertain and just relax
So we'll thought out with everything you could need
What a fantastic week! Weather was superb and beautifully appointed accommodation
What a fantastic place for a family celebration (70th birthday). We cannot fault anything. Everyone loved the carriages and the beds were so comfy, showers hot and powerful. The children loved being so close to the beach and loved their bedroom
Love the house, the location, the comfy beds, proper sized fluffy white bath towels, excellent kitchen and equipment - understated decor is very relaxing. Step back in time in the first class carriage. Good sunny weather for April so we made the most of the beach and the deck
This was an excellent choice for a family get together. The granddaughter had enormous fun playing hide and seek . Beds were very comfortable, facilities were very good with everything you could want - just like home from home
The standard of the accommodation was superb and equipped with very good quality furnishings and bedding as well as a fully equipped kitchen.
I really enjoyed the study space in the outside office and my dog loved the view of the sea
Great facilities. Very clean. All the essentials were here. Great location. Perfect for a family getaway
Really clean and lots of utensils in the kitchen for cooking and baking and plenty of parking. A great location for days out. We will be back
The kitchen was really well equipped, the beds were comfortable and plenty of hot water. Plenty of hanging space for all those outdoor coats and shoes in the hallway. We walked every day, and really miss the beach walk, so do the dogs who absolutely loved it. You just step out the door onto the beach, couldn't be more perfect
Guest Comments on the Beach
All the facilities (and more) that you need are on hand - including....THE BEACH! What a joy to step outside straight onto the beach
Amazing location straight on the beach with a unique sea view
We had a wonderful holiday. The house is amazing and such fun to stay in, especially the location! Right by the beach!
Absolutely fantastic week stay in converted railway carriages, incredible location and right on the beach 😃😃😃
It was just lovely to go out of the gate and walk on the beach. It was hard to leave
The beach is literally on your doorstep
The beach is literally in your back garden - perfect for dogs, children or indeed anyone
The position of the house is perfect for the beach, our dog also came with us and loved the long walks on the beach each day
Great Beach Location
Lovely quirky property & great that it is right on the beach.
Right on the beach!
The highlight of our holiday has been having the beach on our doorstep allowing for relaxing night walks and exciting adventures during the day
The location of being right on the beach was perfect.
Shingle and sand beach literally a stone’s throw away and even though the main beach area was busy, this location was great as it is the quieter end but exactly what we wanted.
Even storm Gareth couldn’t spoil our weekend. The waves were spectacular and out grandchildren thought it was brilliant walking along the beach being blown backwards
Fantastic location right on the beach
The beach is in touching distance and is ideal for walkers and taking your dog
The beach was literally outside our door!
Guest Comments on the View
Fabulous sea views with direct access to the beach - just perfect!
The uninterrupted views of the Solent from the front garden and comfortable open plan kitchen/lounge are truly amazing day and night. An ideal property for young and old. It is very well equipped and tastefully decorated.
What a gem find in Hayling Island! We could already tell from the photos that our stay at the Southern Bell was going to be special, but we were pretty overwhelmed when we arrived not least by the wonderful sea view.
Arrived after dark so the view from the living room window took my breath away the next morning
The views across to the Isle of Wight are fantastic
Amazing sunrises and sunsets
The location simply blew us away - my husband was glued to the windows with binoculars watching the shipping
We loved watching the ships & kite surfers always something to see, the grandchildren had a great time on the beach
Great location and stunning views
Amazing views. We enjoyed watching the boats and ships and spotted a seal one morning
Amazing views and a constantly-changing landscape
The views are amazing and always changing
Exciting watching the waves and gorgeous views
Superb location, comfortable accommodation, ever-changing views
Lovely setting and so much to see on the water, it changes so often
Fantastic views with endless opportunities for ship-watching
Spectacular views of the thunderstorm and lightening across the sea
The location right on the beach with easy walking along the promenade, views of the Isle of Wight and stunning sunsets all add to the enjoyment
The children loved having the beach as their back garden and we enjoyed watching all the ferries, boats and cruise ships sail past. We wish we could stay longer
Gorgeous light and beautiful view to greet each morning.
Stunning views from the beach and we highly recommend the ship tracking app.
Lovely relaxing break in a fab location. Great views seeing the ships come in and out was an extra bonus.
Looking directly on to the sea there is always something different to look at.
Beautiful views over the water to the Isle of Wight. Very special house , very well appointed. Clive was very helpful and responsive. Highly recommend
Guest Comments on the Local Area
We were able to walk to shops, restaurants and pubs and the beach was on our doorstep. Also lovely that we could take the dog. She loved her holiday and the property even had a hosepipe to wash her down with!
Perfect location with shops and cafés nearby. Dog's had a great time too, plenty of walks and swimming.
Hayling island is a great place to stay. Lots of great pubs and restaurants
A lovely quirky destination and Hayling Island is so much better than we expected
The area was quiet and it was fantastic to be right on the beach. It is a short walk to local shops
Lovely walks along by the sea
We had some great walks along the beach and watched the ships on the horizon
Even though the weather wasn't great for the second half of our holiday we had plenty of fun playing boules in the garden area and going for walks in both directions from the path directly in front of the house
We had a bit of a family reunion and all agreed that it was a great venue. We took trips to The New Forest (lunch at The Pig was a holiday treat) and also to Portsmouth and Uppark House (NT)
Hayling Island seems to have a slower pace of life and it was very relaxing.
Fabulous walks along the beach and so much to do in the area!
Marvelous views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and lovely coastal walks right on the doorstep.
Great base to explore the local area and very handy for dog walking
Perfect seafront location
Great sunsets and walks
Fab location
Southern Bell, is a magical base from which to explore the area.
We had a lovely stay here and the location made it ideal for two day trips to the Isle of Wight.
Great location and fab walks.
The beach/beach path is a lovely place to walk along and, even in October, there are a number of places for coffee & cake, or lunch.
Absolutely lovely place to stay. Right on the beach with some lovely pubs and shops in easy walking distance.
Beautiful location on a quiet part of the beach with outstanding views and easy to walk to other amenities. The accommodation is very comfortable - warm and cosy during the windy and wet weather.
We had a lovely stay, so close to many dog friendly restaurants and things to do. Very lucky to dodge the rain for some sunny walks. Would definitely recommend as a well-positioned, well equipped holiday rental with the added bonus of being such a unique property. Will definitely book again
We enjoyed a number of interesting walks along the beach and Southern Bell is really well situated for this, with direct views of the sea and access to the coastal path. Lots of local pubs, cafes and shops
Beautiful, unusual accommodation in a perfect spot.
There are numerous shops, pubs, cafes and takeaways within easy walking distance. We would happily recommend this holiday home to anyone.
Guest Comments on the Rail carriages
My grandson could not believe that his bedroom was a railway carriage, he loved it
My husband and grandson are both into old railways so this was heaven for them. Our granddaughter loved her bedroom in one of the carriages and claimed the snug in the first class carriage as her own private den, she didn't want to leave.
Most definitely the most quirky, exceptional designed property we've ever stayed in.
Fantastic holiday home built around old train carriages. The carriages incorporate some of the bedrooms and a second sitting room, with modern, light area at each end. Situated right on the beach with views out to sea.
Great, unique place to stay.
Southern Bell was the most unique place I've ever stayed. It was truly amazing to stay in the converted railway carriages, which never lost its charm every time we walked through the corridor. There was everything you could possibly need, a true home from home. The welcome hamper was a lovely touch with some local produce. The beach is just across the small path outside the back steps, and it was lovely to sit and listen to the waves crashing onto the beach from the comfort of the sofa :) A holiday that we will remember for a lifetime.
I always love to stay somewhere a bit different when on holiday and Southern Bell certainly ticks that box! The converted railway carriage which makes up the main part of the property are an absolute delight
The carriages make a brilliant place for all the family to stay. There is plenty of room for children and its great being by the beach even in December!
The internal carriage doors close with exactly the sound you'd expect!! We had so much fun; we would definitely return.
The renovation of the carriages is inspirational- modern and comfortable but keeping all the original features
We enjoyed reading the history and understanding the original carriages
The railway carriages are a paradise for Young and old. Very comfortable, lovely, cosy and well equipped property
Steeped in railway history and a special surprise for my husband’s 60th.
Guest Comments on the Staying again
Will definitely stay again.
Would definitely return :-)
An excellent stay again. This was our third time in Hayling Island.
We absolutely loved Southern Bell and hope to book another short winter break
Couldn't fault it. Very sad to leave and hope to go back. Lovely.
A very special property. Very much enjoyed our stay and in fact have booked again for a week in September.
Will definitely be back!
We felt very welcome and at home here, wish we didn’t have to leave
None of us wanted to go home, nor did our dogs
Enjoyed the beach, the time together and the views. Booking again!
A wonderful break, we wish we were staying longer
We know we will be back
Didn’t want to go home
Wonderful. Too-short a stay
Would recommend to everyone
Roll-on next year, next time
Loved the quirkiness and the welcome treats, will definitely be back!
Shame we couldn’t stay longer. We enjoyed every minute
Our first visit but not our last
Our second stay and it felt like home as soon as we walked in
The week passed very quickly. We will be back!
Lots to do and everybody welcoming. Will definitely be recommending to family and friends and hope to book again next year.
Back again for another wonderful weekend with two branches of our family and three genrations. A very happy time had by all.
Lovely location for our golden wedding with family… would definitely come again.
Great time. Will definitely come back.
An amazing holiday in this gorgeous home. Really want to come back again. Thank you!
Just beautiful. Here’s to next year.
Will come back some time to recharge.
Would recommend this lovely cottage.
Hope we can return sometime.
The most wonderful week. Southern Bell is a fantastic home. We will be back.
Our second time here and it was lovely. Our dog loved it and we hope we can come again next year.
Another marvelous stay ay at Southern Bell.
Great accommodation and location. Our pugs had a great time and we will, be back!
Fantastic weekend in this beautiful beach house. We will be back again soon.
We found it hard to leave and are already thinking when we can visit again.
We would definitely come again and recommend to family and friends. It was well worth the long journey down! We'll be back!
Amazing! Definitely worth the 4 hour drive! Already planning my next visit!
We would love to return to the Southern Bell and Hayling Island.
We truly fell in love 🥰 & hope to come back again.
Such a fun place to chill with family & friends. We truly fell in love & hope to come back again.
Another fantastic week here. Three generations have really enjoyed themselves.
Definitely coming back
Thank you very much and see you next year!
Beautiful home. We will be back!
We have already booked for next year. We have a new favourite holiday home by the sea to stay in. Thoroughly recommended.
We had a wonderful stay in a wonderful interesting accommodation, would love to stay again.
Having stayed here several times it still has a magic atmosphere. Plenty of room for different generations to relax, including the beach.
Lovely holiday yet again, the only place we keep coming back to due to prime location and stunning cottage. Cannot fault anything
Had a lovely time and hope to stay there again in the future. Many thanks.
All in our party have said we would love to visit again and also with our families too x
All in all, you can't fail to enjoy a stay at Southern Bell - we would return in the blink of an eye.
Would stay here again and definitely recommend to others :)
Would thoroughly recommend this lovely house and will definitely be coming back.
Would very much like to return.
We have booked for next year already.
Another wonderful week at this truly-amazing house. It suits our family from 91 to 4! We will be back next year.
We’ve had a fantastic holiday, the second time coming back. We’ll look forward to returning sometime in the future.
Guest Comments on the Owner Communication – (Thank you for all your very kind comments! We always aim to make sure every guest has all the information needed well before staying so we do not need to contact guests while they are at Southern Bell, but we are also always on hand to answer any questions or help with any issues during your stay, Clive.)
I can't thank the owners enough for being so helpful and accommodating
I would thoroughly recommend this place, the owners could not be more accommodating.
It's a perfect location for friends or family. We met the owners and they are absolutely lovely and so helpful...
The owner of the holiday home is very helpful and welcoming. We are visiting again this year which is unusual for us as my husband doesn't like going anywhere twice!
Clive could not have been more welcoming. We would recommend it to anyone.
Clive, the owner was extremely helpful and very responsive during our stay. I would not hesitate to recommend a booking.
Had to contact owners as a visitor wanted to take pictures of the carriages and the response was imminent
The owners were very friendly and couldn't have been more helpful. Thank you from all the family- and the dogs!
The owners were very attentive, offering assistance if we should need it. Congratulations to them for such a superb holiday let.
We were also impressed with the level of communication from the owners
Jo and Clive the owners have created a quite unique holiday home that is furnished to an extremely high standard. I wouldn't be surprised to see it featured in a coastal magazine, it's that good!
The owners have done a superb job
Thank you for making our break special
Thanks for the advice on things to spot at sea and the smile
Very welcoming owners
Clive and Jo have been very friendly
The welcome pack is a lovely touch which just made us feel even more welcome.
What an awesome welcome pack – really special and a lovely surprise. Clive is really knowledgeable and made excellent suggestions for places to eat. We all hop we return soon.
Clive was very responsive and gave us all the information we needed to make the most of our short stay. We highly recommend Southern Bell to anyone who likes being by the sea!
Fantastic accommodation & really helpful host thanks
Well organised by property owner
Clive, the host, was brilliant at communicating before and during the trip and so helpful with tips and advice... and he had left a little crate of goodies including cake, sparkling wine, coffee pods and lots else to help us welcome in the New Year.